MALVERN Town lost 2-1 to Stourport Swifts in a British Gas Business Division One Midlands county derby.

The hosts started brightly and took the lead in the 10th minute when, following a couple of corners, Aaron Drake’s cross was headed home by Wes Joyce.

Bottom-of-the-table Malvern kept possession for the remainder of the half without creating any other chances.

But, in time added on, Stourport scored an unlikely equaliser when Ashley Robinson laid the ball off to Justin Ballinger, who rifled home from the edge of the area with the Malvern players appealing for offside.

Ten minutes into the second-half, Nathan Jukes’ cross-shot rolled slowly over the line despite a parry by Malvern keeper Nial Hacking.

Two minutes later, following good work between several Malvern players, Joe Wood’s shot was caught by Swifts keeper Paul Evans.

Malvern altered their shape and pushed Joyce up front but, although they created corners, were unable to fashion a further shot on goal.

Bromsgrove Rovers fell 3-1 at home to leaders Leamington in Division One Midlands.

Mykel Beckley put the visitors ahead on three minutes only for a Guy Sanders own goal to level matters as he deflected home Courtney Shaw’s effort.

Leamington regained the lead on 31 minutes through Luke Corbett and Mark Bellingham completed the scoring in the second-half.

Meanwhile, Archdales 73’s good early-season form continued with a fine 3-1 Midland Combination Division One victory at Northfield Town.

Dales took the lead when an inswinging free-kick from Duncan Edwards was headed home by skipper Aaron Mason.

They doubled their lead moments later when Edwards shot home from 35 yards.

In the second-half, Tom Wale calmly slotted in a third goal for Dales before a late Northfield consolation through Stuart Butcher.